Emails Expose Andrew's Celebrity-Filled Weekend with Epstein in New York
Freshly disclosed emails from the extensive Jeffrey Epstein document trove have revealed that Prince Andrew's December 2010 trip to New York, which he publicly claimed was to sever connections with the financier, was in fact a long weekend packed with high-profile social engagements and celebrity meetings. The disgraced former prince had asserted in his notorious 2019 Newsnight interview that his journey to the United States was solely intended to terminate his association with Epstein. This visit occurred a full two years after Epstein had pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution, and Andrew later conceded that staying at the convicted sex offender's residence was a grave error.
Detailed Social Calendar Emerges from Epstein Files
The US Department of Justice published millions of documents connected to Epstein last Friday, providing unprecedented insight into the visit. Among these records are messages outlining a "very last-minute casual dinner" orchestrated for Andrew, with invitations extended to a glittering array of celebrities. Notable figures reportedly included filmmaker Woody Allen and his wife Soon-Yi Previn, alongside esteemed journalist Katie Couric. Further communications indicate Andrew also encountered Latvian model Lana Zakocela, then aged 21, stand-up comedian Chelsea Handler, and talk show host Charlie Rose during the trip. He is additionally believed to have met former White House communications director George Stephanopoulos. It must be emphasised that there is no suggestion of any wrongdoing associated with these social gatherings.
Hollywood Intrigue and The King's Speech Controversy
One particularly revealing email from Hollywood publicist Peggy Siegal to Epstein details her provision of two copies of the film The King's Speech to Andrew during a dinner at Epstein's home. In her correspondence, Siegal expressed significant anxiety, appearing to reference disgraced movie mogul Harvey Weinstein, whose production company was behind the film. She explicitly warned Epstein, "Harvey will kill me if he finds out I lent them to him," and pleaded, "Please make sure Andrew does not say I lent him a DVD. Harvey will really be angry." Siegal's email, dated December 3, 2010, also contained a light-hearted anecdote, recalling her asking Andrew about the upcoming royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton, noting he seemed uncertain if she was joking.
Timeline of a Five-Day Visit
The emails construct a detailed timeline of Andrew's five-day stay in New York:
- December 2: A VIP dinner with guests including Andrew, Epstein, Woody Allen, Soon-Yi Previn, Chelsea Handler, Charlie Rose, Katie Couric, and George Stephanopoulos.
- December 3: Siegal emails Epstein describing the "sensational" evening with gold ballroom chairs, confirming she gave Andrew the film copies.
- December 4: Epstein inquires about "new girls" via email; he and Andrew shop at Barneys and lunch with Next Model management founder Faith Kates; Victoria's Secret model Lana Zakocela arrives.
- December 5: Epstein invites Allen and Previn for "Sunday bagels"; Epstein and Andrew are photographed walking in Central Park.
- December 6: Epstein arranges a lunch for Andrew; Andrew departs for the UK that evening.
Separate planning emails from November 2010 show efforts to organise a private screening of The King's Speech for Andrew, with Siegal's assistant noting the film's star, Colin Firth, who portrayed Andrew's grandfather King George VI, "is going to win the Oscar."
Context and Aftermath
When confronted during his Newsnight interview about staying with a convicted sex offender, Andrew stated, "It was a convenient place to stay... with the benefit of hindsight, it was definitely the wrong thing to do." Epstein was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges; his death was ruled a suicide. Andrew has consistently and strenuously denied allegations of sexual assault made by Virginia Giuffre, a woman he claims never to have met, though he settled a civil claim with her in 2022 for a reported multi-million sum. The fallout from the interview and subsequent document releases led to Andrew stepping back from royal duties in 2019 and King Charles III later stripping him of his HRH style and prince title.
